Object Details
- Label Text
- This type of slit gong was struck with a wooden rod that would be tied with a cord around the neck. It was used by a diviner or ritual specialist (nganga) to accompany his or her chants, and also served as a mixing bowl for medicines and when laid down could be used as a stool. The divination ceremonies were concerned with powerful curses and other community problems.
- The projecting human head represents the diviner. The closed eyes suggest a special inner spiritual vision and the emphasized ears may also symbolize an extra awareness. More symbolic of this world, the top knot hairstyle suggests status.
- Description
- Wood cylindrical slit gong with rectangular opening with human head projecting from one end. Head has a crest or cushion hairstyle and prominent mouth, eyes and nose.
- Provenance
- Eliot Elisofon, New York, -- to 1973
- Content Statement
- As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
- Image Requests
- High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Suku artist
- Date
- Mid-20th century
- Credit Line
- Bequest of Eliot Elisofon
- Medium
- Wood
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 47 x 9.5 x 9.8cm (18 1/2 x 3 3/4 x 3 7/8in.)
- Type
- Sculpture
